ONWARD SENIORS: Keltner integrates multiple disciplines to shape his future

MINOT, N.D. - Rex Keltner came to Minot State University expecting a college experience close to home and familiar through family connections.

What he found was a place that helped shape his passions, expand his leadership, and deepen his sense of purpose.

A senior from Beulah majoring in interdisciplinary studies, Keltner has built his degree around American Sign Language, Spanish, and leadership, integrating these areas to prepare for a future in Christian ministry. He said his faith is central to both his academic goals and the kind of impact he hopes to make.

"I am very passionate about my faith and making Jesus known," Keltner said, "and I think that being able to bridge languages and use leadership skills can be very useful."

Keltner said Minot State was the one school he seriously considered after high school, in part because his older sister had attended the University. That decision, he said, turned out to be the right one.

One of the most meaningful parts of his time at MSU has been discovering a deeper connection to American Sign Language. Although he had long been curious about ASL, he said his interest grew into something much more significant after taking his first class during the spring semester of his freshman year.

By the time he reached more advanced coursework, Keltner said he began to see ASL as an important part of his future. He taught himself outside of class, used sign in worship music, and developed a growing appreciation for Deaf culture and communication.

"Learning ASL has become a very integral part of how I worship and how I interact with the world around me," he said. "It's a beautiful, expressive, and conceptual language."

Keltner said he would one day love to serve as a church interpreter or missionary for the Deaf, combining faith, language, and service in a meaningful career path.

Outside the classroom, Keltner has become a familiar face in campus life. He has served as a resident assistant for two years, an experience he said strengthened both his confidence and understanding of leadership.

"Being an RA has done wonders for building my confidence," Keltner said. "It has taught me that anyone can be a leader."

He has also been active in MSU Life, where he enjoys helping create memorable experiences for students, whether by greeting people at events or taking part in themed activities. Keltner said campus involvement has given him the freedom to serve others while fully being himself.

Among his most distinctive contributions at Minot State is the Reality Competition Club, which he founded and now leads. Inspired by his love of reality competition shows, especially "Big Brother," Keltner launched the club as a way to bring students together through creative, interactive events.

The club hosts competitions inspired by shows like "Big Brother," "Survivor," and "Family Feud," giving students the chance to participate in social strategy games, team contests, and original event formats planned by the organization.

For Keltner, the best part is not just the competition, but the sense of connection that grows among participants.

"My favorite part of hosting 'Big Brother' events is watching all of those in attendance become like family," he said.

He said students who participate often return eager to play again, drawn in by the immersive nature of the events and the shared experience they create.

Keltner's creativity extends beyond campus programming. He has also written more than 450 poems, work he said has been deeply shaped by his faith and by personal growth through difficult seasons of life. His writing, he said, has become both a record of spiritual transformation and a way to help others put feelings into words.

Looking ahead, Keltner hopes to publish a collection of his poetry and continue pursuing a life centered on faith, service, and connection. More than any one title or career milestone, he said, his goal is to live in a way that reflects God's love to others.

At Minot State, Keltner has found room to grow as a student, leader, creator, and person of faith, building a college experience shaped by language, leadership, and community.